"People who have work are choosing to reside in a state like Texas or Florida. The evidence is there … We have never seen a state tax its way into prosperity.''

Brown also urged President Barack Obama to stimulate the economy by dropping proposed tax hikes.

"If just the announcement of saying, 'You know what, I had these intentions. but it's clear that it's not stimulating the economy' … the economy would immediately recognize that as a strong economic signal.''